Merrepen - Sand Palm
Maker
1. Gracie Kumbi (b.1967)
2. Basil Hall Editions
Date
2016
Description
Merrepen (Livistonia Palm) is a small fan-leaved palm that grows in the bush all around Ngan’gi country and the Top End. It is a very important plant for Ngan’gi people and is the name of the art centre at Nauiyu. Merrepen is extensively used to make fibre, which is twinned into string. The new leaves are pulled out of the stem apex of the plant before they unfold. These are then split into fine threads which are sun dried. The fibres may be dyed and then twisted into string. This string is used to make woven dilly-bags dilly-bags, fishing nets and other fibre-craft products. This is a significant industry at Nauiyu, where many women are excellent fibre-craft artisans.
Copyright for both painting and text remains with Merrepen Arts, Culture and Language Aboriginal Corporation and may not be reproduced.
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